Interlude Parley Part 2
The group arrived in Pherae from the East, dropping off Natalie and Dorcas in a village North. Wil decided to leave temporarily to meet with his and Dan's family. They were met with Eliwood's family and their knights.
"Are you quite sure you will not stay the night?" The man asked. The person in question, Eliwood's father, Elbert, who resembled Eliwood and had a red mustache. He was accompanied by a purple haired paladin with a goatee, along with a light green haired cavalry whose hair covered his eyes.
Accompanying him was his wife Eleanora who had long violet hair and eyes. Along with them are their knights, one of whom was a long blue haired female paladin alongside a blonde short haired man. They received a missive of Dorcas and his wife, Natalie, being escorted by the Greil Mercenaries.
"Thank you, but we'll have to rush back to Caelin." Ike stated before the two.
"I hope we meet again, Lord Elbert, Lady Eleanora." Lyn spoke her farewells. Everyone also did theirs in return.
As they went off to the North village where Dorcas was going to live with Natalie, they saw Eliwood, probably likely helping the couple get started on living in Pherae. They were outside of their new home, where Natalie and Dorcas looked happy.
"Eliwood." Ike called out. "Can I speak to you with Lyn?"
Eliwood and Lyn turned to Ike and nodded. As they left the couple, they went into the distance to converse.
"Very well, is something the matter?" Eliwood asked.
"You remember the Black Fang? The ones who tried to kidnap Nils and Ninian?" Eliwood nodded and responded, "Of course."
"Well, the man behind them seems to be man named Nergal." The two looked at Ike with surprise. "Against my better judgment, for some reason, I didn't speak immediately to inform more people. Or give more assurance that they should be protected. But something... clicked..." Ike began clench at his head.
"My memories... my judgment... I keep getting visions whenever I got close to Nils and Ninian. It only subsided slightly after being away from them... but I realize I could have done more to ensure their safety." Ike spoke while grabbing his head, as if to ease an ache. "But for now... if you or your knights see them, hopefully they could have close watch and to be aware that a man named Nergal are pursuing them." Eliwood and Lyn looked worried. They didn't doubt Ike, but something was amiss with him.
"Ike. I'll put up word for my grandfather to keep an eye out for the two." Lyn responded.
"I see. Not to worry. We'll keep close vigilance for Nils and Ninian. Thank you for informing us." Eliwood added.
Whatever keeps Ike from fully acting on his judgment must be happening during the same time his memories seem to be clearer. Whether it was the siblings or if they are away is anyone's guess.
"Anyway, I'll need to speak with Dorcas." Upon speaking those words, he went back to the couple.
Dorcas turned to Ike approaching as he left Natalie inside the house.
"Dorcas, thanks for helping Lyn and the rest of us reach Caelin." Ike spoke with gratitude. "And take this." Handing a bag of gold to Dorcas. It was about 7,500. Dorcas's eyes widened at the money.
"This should be enough to hopefully cover Natalie's treatment. With the money you've earned and this, I hope Natalie recovers."
Dorcas looked deeply in gratitude. Natalie would be able to get medical treatment and be able to walk properly. They'll live their lives in happiness.
"Ike... thank you for everything. For paying me and taking us to Pherae." Dorcas replied with gratitude. But then his expression turned to worry. "But what about the company, what about you?"
Ike shook his head, and replied: "I plan on getting more job offers. If Lyn's grandfather is angry over Lyn coming with us, then I'll have to look elsewhere. I'll work my way up."
Unknown to the everyone, within the forest near the village, a lone man watched the entire sequence of events. He had brown short hair, matching trench coat and attire that showed off his bare chest. On the top of his left earlobe was a ear cuff like Lloyd.
"Lloyd was right... something smells. Ursula and Sonia seem to be up to something... why'd the hell did our members engage with this group?" Linus questioned.
Linus was given an inquiry by his brother to check up in Pherae. All he was given based on some of the members of the group, and he saw absolutely nothing nefarious like some reports suggested of the Greil Mercenaries and alike. None of the two Lycian lords that were affiliated with the incident based on what they've witnessed were remotely evil. In fact, he just saw the supposed leader just give a man a good sum of money to help his disabled wife. He'll keep an eye on the activities of this group.
Their new stepmother was suspicious. And to think Ursula looks up this woman. Their new sister, however, was a good girl. Perhaps they need to have better check on their members at any rate, Pascal was a complete nutcase. Perhaps something did happen or they took on a bad job. He understand Fang's judgment cannot be undone, but this done on other orders that did not go by his father.
"Well, I just hope father can wise up against Sonia..." Linus muttered to himself.
As the group headed West to pick up Wil, they saw Wil running up to the carriage. He was breathing heavily upon reaching them.
"Wil! You're back, did you get to see your family?" Ike asked.
"I... did..." Wil panted out. But his face turned to them filled with worry. "But Ike... Dan never returned!"
"...What?" Ike replied with eyes widened. The others turning to one another.
"Wil, what do you mean your friend never came back? Didn't he leave to return a month in after you both left?" Lyn pointed out. Wil only shook his head.
"That's the problem, after he told me that, he never returned!" Wil announced with a rare panicked expression.
Wil took a deep breath, outside of his parent's door. He hasn't seen them for a few years. Shaking his head, he slapped himself on the cheeks with both hands and opened the door. He saw his mother and father at the dinner table. Their faces turned to surprise.
His mother welled up with tears as she held her mouth with her hands and his father walking towards him, hugging him. His mother also joined in the embrace.
"You've grown... Wil." He whispered out.
"Yeah... I'm sorry I left... I'm so sorry." Wil sobbed out with tears in eyes.
After four years, he finally met them. Dan was right, this was more important than money.
"I'm glad I'm back. But I'll return to work in Caelin. I glad Dan might have smoothed things over with you."
Wil's mother and father looked at one another with worry. Wil's brows furrowed at the display. What might have happened?
"Wil... Dan didn't come back..." Wil's Father replied.
"...What?" Wil voiced out.
"We, no, both our families thought he was still with you." Wil's mother answered with a worried expression.
Dan never came back... that means...
"I need to see Rebecca!" Wil needed to go further Southwest, to where a big townhouse was.
Ike nodded and took Wil onto the carriage to escort him. As they approached there, a young girl with green braided pigtails ran towards them. Perhaps she heard of Wil being spotted with his parents. Just as he got off the carriage to talk to her, she brought her open hand up and slapped him.
Everyone's eyes widened upon Wil being hurt. Wil lightly felt where he received the slap with his hand. She was furious, as well as ready to weep.
"Rebecca..." He voiced out.
"Wil! Where is he?" Rebecca shouted. "Where's Dan!?" With every word, she shed a tear. Wil's heart felt heavy upon seeing his best friend's sister in tears.
Soon, an elderly villager with a mustache came in tow. He looked towards Wil and Rebecca.
"Wil... Dan never came back. Why did you assume in the letter he was here?" The man asked. His concerned face evident with every line he spoke. "Where did you and my son go to?"
Wil was silent. He assumed Dan was able to return safely after a month of being homesick. He... he should have gone back with him. They shouldn't have left.
"I'm so sorry... I should have left with him when he wanted to come back to the both of you..." Wil closed his eyes as he spoke those words, filled with remorse. "I thought he went back to you when we separated at Badon one month after we left."
He turned to Rebecca and spoke softly, "I'm sorry Rebecca... we shouldn't have left you..."
Upon hearing those words, Rebecca sobbed and embraced Wil. Sobbing into his arms. Everyone grew worried at the display.
"So, Dan's been missing since Wil separated from him at Badon four years ago?" Ike called out.
"If what Wil said is correct, yes... you are...?" Rebecca and Dan's father replied.
"I'm Ike of the Greil Mercenaries. Wil is my friend, I'll inquire to the townsfolk when I get back there to find his whereabouts. Do you have a portrait or any noticeable features?" Ike asked.
"He has dark, slightly brown hair. Relatively strong, and he has a..." Trailing off as their father spoke, Ike immediately remembered.
"A scar on his right abdomen. Wil told me about that. It's a stretch to ask, but I'll do my best." Ike announced.
"Thank you." Bowing his head in gratitude.
"At any rate, I'll make a request for a missing person notice for Wil's friend in Caelin. Maybe he was spotted somewhere since Badon is closest to us." Kent announced.
Sain also nodded. "It wouldn't do for such a lovely girl to be in sorrow. We'll find Wil's friend and reunite him with his family."
Ignoring the first half of Sain's statement, Lyn understood what to do. Wil was a trusted knight and friend, he's done plenty for them to repay.
"We'll help Wil as much as we can. I'll speak to Grandfather if he has any contacts." She added, confidence within her voice.
Soon, it was Florina's turn to speak up.
"Umm... Lyn... we left without notice, your grandfather, won't he be mad?" Florina pointed out. Soon, Lyn's expression turned sullen.
Florina's words rung true, he was bound to be furious for leaving without word. To enact revenge for her parents. She may have well disobeyed him. Not to mention Ike... They remained silent until they heard heavy footsteps.
"Just speak to him, milady." They turned to Wallace who spoke behind them. His gaze was not severe as they expected. Come to think of it, he didn't speak a word since he caught up with them in Taliver Mountains. They attempted to call out to him but he remained silent the entire time. Assuming the worst, they all thought he was furious.
"Wallace..." Lyn spoke.
"At the very least, face Lord Hausen. That is all." He spoke with a soft tone evident in his voice.
Rather than reprimand Lyn, it seemed to be encouragement.
"I will..." Lyn responded. Ready to face the consequences for her friend.
Meanwhile, the other group were on their own discussing the recent current events.
"Haaa... why does our employer have such a bleeding heart?" Raven spoke out, with exasperation in his tone. "Doesn't he need to make as much money as possible to get back home?"
Ike did plan to split the remaining money to the group. After paying 2,500 gold to each member of the Greil Mercenaries, he only had 7,500 left for the company after the spoils. Some of them wanted to refuse but Ike insisted. Some aid was given to the villages closest to the Taliver Mountains.
"You were concerned about that girl's family, weren't you, Raymond?" Upon Lucius speaking those words, Raven looked away. "I do pray Wil can find his friend..."
He had his own sister who was sent away to Etruria for adoption. He can't say he doesn't miss her. He'll try to help Wil in his own way (if only he'd avoid calling him 'Rave'). More likely out of sentiment, they'll help Ike by attributing all of their purchases towards his total with the note.
Sadly, their commander was a glutton (the way Ike ate even amazed him, at least he was taught table manners). Luckily, food was mainly covered with hunting (Rath was most reliable in that regard) along with tanning hides to make pelts for some income. Raven sighed at the amount of things the group now had to deal with.
In the end, no one complained about giving aid to the villages. Aside from worried looks to Ike, they were happy to help people.
Meanwhile, Rath tended to his bow and arrows with Guy beside him.
"Man, boss sure has alot of work cut out for him." Guy spoke to Rath. "I guess we have to go back to Badon. I think I have enough to buy some things!"
Most notably an occultic scroll. Guy was improving much when training with Raven or Ike. All the more likely he'll promote soon.
"...Don't forget. Ike needs all the help he can obtain... If you purchase something, do it on his total." Rath reminded Guy. "Our friends need as much help as possible."
"Right right... come to think of it, I need some Killing Edges. They're not cheap..." Guy pondered on what to really get.
At any rate, it will be awhile for the group to achieve their goals.